Opportunities for success after graduation
Your time studying in North America is sure to be filled with lots of exciting and fun new experiences. But your ultimate goal is to graduate and be successful in your desired career. Earning a degree from a university in the USA or Canada will open up many doors of opportunity for you. You can expect a bright future.
A North American university education is the key to success
A degree from a US or Canadian university is respected and recognized throughout the world. You will have valuable work experience opportunities both during and after your degree. This will prepare you for the real world, and give you a head start in your career by gaining a significant advantage in the job market. People with American graduate degrees hold approximately 70% of the most influential and lucrative positions in government, non-profit agencies, and private enterprise worldwide.
Graduation rates in America
Securing a place at university is only the beginning of your journey toward getting a degree. Be aware that the percentage of students who actually graduate fluctuates widely between institutions. Our pathway programs give you the best chance of academic success, and we only work with universities that have a record of successfully graduating international students. James Madison University has an exceptionally high graduation rate (see right).
Career services
While you are studying in the USA or Canada, you will be able to take advantage of the university's on-campus Career Services department to ensure your post-graduation success. University career services can help you with a variety of career-related functions, including:
- career development planning
- internship search
- job search and interview preparation
- assistance with preparation of graduate school applications
- on-campus job interviews
- resume writing assistance
- career/job search classes
- an alumni network
Success after graduation
After graduate from university, the vast majority of students have relevant jobs or have been accepted into graduate school within six months after graduation:
- Long Island University: 82% of graduates are in relevant employment in 6 months.
- James Madison University: 86% of graduates enter the job market related to major within six months of graduation.
- Royal Roads University: many graduates are offered permanent positions by their host companies following internships.
Employment in America
If you intend on working in the United States after graduation, or after Optional Practical Training, you must find a position with an an employer who sponsors H-1B visas. You will need to apply for one of the limited number of H1-B visas granted each year. The H-1B is the most common type of non-immigrant work visa that allows temporary employment in specialty occupations i.e. a job that requires a bachelor's or higher degree or its equivalent.
To qualify to accept a job offer in a specialty occupation you will also need full state licensure, if the job requires a license to practice in that state.
- Find links for H1-B visas on our Useful Resources page.
Employment and immigration in Canada
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program offers flexible opportunities for graduates to stay and find work in Canada for up to 3 years.
During the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program international students may be eligible to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence under the Canadian Experience Class of immigration.
As a Royal Roads University graduate, you may meet the requirements to stay in Canada permanently when you have at least one year of work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical position in Canada.
Further study options
Instead of seeking employment directly after graduation from an undergraduate degree, many students choose to continue their higher education on a graduate program. Graduate degrees enhance your knowledge in a specialized field. Students who earn these advanced degrees often earn significantly more than students who do not.
Long Island University and James Madison University are ranked among the top graduate schools in America by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges.
- Use our degree finder to explore master's degrees in USA and Canada
